Flash Builder 4 and Flex 4 Bible [ペーパーバック]

This book is very well written and David is clearly an excellent educator, as his videos reveal. I would highly recommend both this book and the video series as a basic introduction to Flash Builder/Flex 4. However, I feel the term 'Bible' is a fairly serious misnomer. The book provides an overview, but goes into very little detail on any given subject. Once you start actually using Flex to create a project, you're going to run into LOTS of questions. How do I clear a form? How do I effectively make multiple HTTPService requests from a single instance of the class? Does a TitleWindow have to be popped up before its public properties and methods are available? How do I create skinnable icon button with no label? What are the rules for use of the various meta tags (Bindable, Embed, etc)? How do I make an MVC app in Flex? How do I create a custom data service?

Flex is a VERY large and deep program and no single volume could possibly hope to cover it completely. I just want you to be prepared to purchase another book soon after reading this one.

Confronted with 1028 pp (more or less) book on Flash Builder 4 and Flex 4 isn't as daunting as I expected. I would imagine that users come to FB4/F4 from different angles ranging from the novice to both programming ActionScript 3.0 and using the FB4 IDE to those who are familiar with Eclipse using Java who want a familiar environment to develop their programs. There's likely to be a sizable group who have an extensive Flash Professional/AS3.0 background who are migrating to FB4 for a more robust AS3.0 development environment. I represent this last group. Having fiddled with Flex since version 2, I'm somewhat familiar with it, but would almost rather program AS3.0 using Notepad than learn a new IDE.

Living on the more advanced side of ActionScript 3.0, any IDE (Flash included) is viewed as an impediment getting between me and cranking out code. Favoring OOP and Design Patterns, I like to create lots of files containing classes that communicate with one another in a loosely coupled fashion. So, what is most important to me is how well a tool can do that and how well a book can explain how I can keep my classes happily available for development and change. So the first thing I look for is OOP, and on Page 11, that's where the author tells the reader that using an OOP approach to program development is favored. (Declaring he's using OOP on page 11 of a 1028 pp book is like putting it on the cover!) Better and better.

Since I don't have to learn ActionScript 3.0, I want to jump in and get going, and right away the author is talking about modularity! I love this book! That's exactly what I want to hear. (If you're a novice, that's great news because you can learn how to code AS3.0 and use the FB4 IDE is smaller chunks.) So, the author is approaching FB4 development like a real programmer and not a 'get-it-done-by-any-means-possible' hacker.

The big thing for me and ultimately FB4 users/developers is becoming comfortable with working in an MXML environment. At some point, code is code whether it's Java or AS3.0, and the hurdle is working with the IDE to develop objects that can be used with code. As far as I'm concerned, the sooner I can hook into AS3.0, the better. I can use the IDE for creating the UI and some of the other objects that I need (or can import), and then run the show with AS3.0. As a result, the first part of the book is the most important, and here again I was not disappointed. The second chapter is a patient explanation of how to use FB4, followed by creating a basic Flex app, which is followed by an analysis of a Flex app.

Normally, I don't like big books. My experience has been that I only use 10% or so that is of interest and the rest is a big doorstop. This book is an exception, and once past the first few chapters, it's easy to explore beyond to parts of specific interest. In my case it's integrating AS3.0 apps with PHP plus how to work with FB4 and Java. However, novices, can ease through the different chapters building both their AS3.0 skills along with getting used to the IDE. So, this is one Bible that's earned it title.

The first question with any learning aid is, does it hit the target, for any Flex developer from first day on the job to a more experienced mid-level Developer the answer is a definite yes. For those moving from a Flash design environment this book will ease you through the transition. If you fancy yourself as a more accomplished flex developer there is probably a few pointers in the book that will jog your memory or make you aware of something you didn't realise flex could do.

In a tome that has some 1000 pages of information it does well to flow smoothly across the different subject matter that is part of the Flex development environment. From simple form generation to back end database connectivity, its all there. Dozens of example assist, through the various areas discussed, to help in understanding just how it all works. I was happy to see that the examples actually functioned as expected even the back-end ones !!!, this is a pleasant change from sample code in several other books which I am sure worked for the Author just not for the reader.

If you are eager to get into Flex or feel you need a boost to earn that tag 'Flex Developer' I would recommend this as a must read. For those that have the skills but find things are taking longer to develop than they should its a handy reference to those pesky little problems that can drive a mid-level developer crazy.